This year’s lineup is leading the comeback charge, touting the best collection of national talents that ColorDance has ever hosted. These acts include phenomenal jam rock, funk, and electronic acts based all over the country, from coast to coast. Headlining acts are Manic Focus Earthcry, Dirtwire, Gibbz, and Tom Hamilton’s American Babies.

After only a few years of performing under the Manic Focus moniker, John “JmaC” McCarten has seen a meteoric rise in nationwide popularity due to his phenomenal electronic productions and insane live show. His mixture of funk, hip-hop, and soul music has taken him on tons of tours and put him on countless festival stages. His 2017 festival schedule includes large-scale festivals like Summer Camp, Euphoria, and Fool’s Paradise.

Earthcry is the electronic side project of Papadosio’s Anthony Thogmartin. Thogmartin, who will be accompanied by Papadosio band make Mike Healy on drums, creates electronic music with an organic focus that is nothing short of gorgeous.

Dirtwire is by far one of the most innovative acts in music today. The trio combines traditional and World Music instrumentation with electronic soundscapes and beats. The result is a psychedelic, new age take on Americana and classic World Music sounds.

Tom Hamilton’s American Babies is a Philadelphia based group that focuses on Americana and progressive rock music. Hamilton is a frequently collaborator with many jam rock greats, and has performed with many members of the Grateful Dead and The Disco Biscuits.

Aiming to make a bigger name for himself, one man band Gibbz will relax Color Dance attendees with his chill, synth pop sound…But this time with his OWN band! ColorDance is hosting the first festival performance for Gibbz and his own backing ensemble. The young New York based musician Gibbz has a calm, soft aura about his music that begs all those who listen to dance to his groove, whether it’s early in the afternoon, or late at night.

Joining these acts include regional acts such as Peridoni, Sassafraz, Jones for Revival, Ernie Johnson from Detroit, and Love Alive. After Funk will be making the trek from Canada and willbe joining forces with Sassafraz to pay tribute to The Godfather of Soul – James Brown! Love Alive will be performing a Beck tribute for one of their sets. Athens favorites Hellnaw, Bulls on Parade, Waivada, Any Colour, Mild Movements, Kashmerik, Overwaves, and Comisar will be performing, plus many other regionals and locals.

The festival will also feature multiple visual and performance artists, as well as an art gallery, vendors, craft beer, and activities for kids.